Entry Level Polymer Research Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

POSITION SUMMARY: 

TPC Group is seeking a Senior Research Scientist with significant experience in Organic Chemistry to contribute to the design, synthesis, characterization, and application development of novel organic molecules and intermediates that create differentiated performance in fuel and lubricant additives, adhesives, sealants, coatings, polymer modification (CASE), and metalworking fluids.

This role is part of a collaborative R&D team that bridges fundamental chemistry and real-world applications, translating molecular innovation into measurable performance benefits in end-use systems. The successful candidate will have a natural curiosity while being a hands-on laboratory scientist with strong analytical and materials characterization skills, a passion for understanding how chemistry drives product performance, and the ability to work across functions to bring ideas from concept to commercialization.  Demonstrated creativity & proactive approaches to identifying and creating value is a must.  The successful candidate will demonstrate being a change agent and one who works with a sense of urgency, who is excited about problem solving and implementing technical developments.

Experience Should Include:

Application-Focused Research & Molecular Design

• Participate in the design, synthesis, and optimization of new organic molecules and intermediates targeted toward improved performance in specific end-use applications.
• Develop laboratory methods and experimental programs that simulate real-world application environments.
• Establish clear structure–property–performance relationships to guide molecule and process design.

Materials Characterization & Performance Correlation

• Understands the application of materials characterization to characterize materials.
• Apply rheological analysis (as well as other characterization methods) to characterize materials, formulations and end-use systems.
• Translate laboratory and characterization data into actionable insights that predict or validate application performance.

End-Use Testing & Application Development

• Evaluate synthesized materials in relevant end-use systems (e.g., fuels, lubricants, coatings, adhesives, polymers) to quantify performance benefits.
• Collaborate with formulation chemists, application scientists, and business teams to align research with market and customer needs.
• Provide technical data, structure–function interpretation, and performance rationale to support product development and commercialization.

Scale-Up & Process Integration

• Work with appropriate engineering team(s) to transition successful chemistries from the laboratory to pilot and production scale.
• Use Design of Experiments (DoE) and data-driven methodologies to optimize process conditions and ensure reproducibility.
• Understand and apply engineering principles to facilitate practical, scalable solutions.

Responsibilities include:

• Safety and working in an employee-lead safety organization.  Participates in laboratory safety activities and leads lab-based management of changes.
• Design and execute safe and efficient lab experimentation using the highest standards using the scientific method. 
• Data development utilizing lab scale systems though hands on operation of equipment/analytical & complete data workup in spreadsheets.
• Build and maintain lab testing facilities for project needs.  Improve and modify to meet testing needs. Troubleshoot analytically, develop methods and complete data analysis.
• Manage portfolio of development projects and provide project leadership in area of responsibility.
• Communicates to steering teams and business teams for strategic decisions. Deliver presentations or reports that distill complex ideas into clear results and proposals; communicates appropriately to influence internal and external audiences, including senior management.
• Operates with significant independence from experimental planning/modeling through data presentation.
• Stay abreast of developments in their field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
• Awareness and participation in intellectual property development and identification of threats.
• Documents work appropriately in the form of internal reports, technology manuals, knowledge management resources, external reports, laboratory notebooks and patents.

• Mentor and guide junior scientists and technicians, emphasizing scientific rigor, safety, and teamwork.

Behaviors that lead to success at TPC:

• Ask a lot of questions, be curious, and have insights into your work.
• Be nimble, embrace the speed and ambiguity of TPC culture.
• Ability to self-manage and set your own priorities and schedule.
• Ability to make conclusions with limited data yet drives to make data-based decisions and conclusions. 
• Be comfortable working in multiple roles (ie, wearing multiple hats).
• Respect for others. Strong collaboration capabilities; approachable, supportive, and group oriented.
• Creative problem solving.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• PhD Organic Chemistry
• BS/MS with equivalent/relevant experience to be considered.

• A Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering may be considered if the candidate can demonstrate track record of success in the above requirements.

• 10+ years of experience in the industry.
• 7+ years of experience in R&D, technology groups or similar. 

Working Environment: 

• Comfortable working in an industrial environment
• Able to lift and move up to 25 pounds, climb stairs & ladders.
• Able to (infrequently) work shifts during pilot plant campaigns and operational turnarounds.
• Able to travel 10%
• Able to take part in operations Turnaround activities (including: entry into vessels, towers, reactors).

All applicants must be eligible to work for any US employer continually without any company sponsorship.